Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) -- Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) forms part of a group of diseases known as motor neuron disease, in which the nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles degenerate and die, causing a progressive muscular weakness.  A similar condition, known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), is usually hereditary, affects both upper and lower motor neurons, and can be fatal in the long run.  Unlike ALS, PLS affects only upper motor neurons, and is considered hereditary only if it occurs in childhood.  Though rare, some patients with PLS have been observed to gradually convert over time to ALS.

Common symptoms for PLS include imbalance, weakness, clumsiness, muscle cramps and pain, spasticity, speech and swallowing difficulties, difficulty in breathing, hyper-reflexia, emotional labiality, bladder urgency, and occasionally, cognitive changes.  Symptoms usually commence from the lower extremities and may gradually progress to the upper extremities.  The onset of symptoms is usually after 50 years of age, with a gradual progression over several decades.  There are currently no specific tests which are diagnostic of this condition.  A diagnosis is usually made by exclusion of other possible diseases, and long-term observation.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment is similar for all motor neuron diseases.  The management of PLS includes the use of herbal medicines which have a specific action on the brain and the central nervous system.  Additionally, medicines which act on the neuromuscular junctions as well as the muscles and tendons are also very useful in the management of this condition.  A combination of medicines acting on the nerves as well as on muscles brings about the maximum possible benefit at the earliest.  The dosage of medicines needs to be progressively increased - subject to patient tolerance - over a period of several months, in order to bring about the maximum possible therapeutic benefit.

Herbal medicines which are useful in the management of PLS include Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Yashtimadhuk (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri).  Herbal combinations and herbo-mineral medicines useful in the management of this condition include Bruhat Vat Chintamani, Maha Vat Vidhvans Ras, Khanj Nikari Ras, Vasant Kusumakar Ras, Vishtinduk Vati, Heerak Bhasma, Trivanga Bhasma, Triphala Guggulu, Trayodashang Guggulu, Panchatikta Ghruta Guggulu, and Sameerpannag Ras.

Oral treatment can also be supplemented with localized therapy in the form of full body massage using medicated oils, followed by steam fomentation using medicated decoctions. Medicated oils useful for massage include Maha Narayan oil, Maha Mashadi oil, and Maha Saindhavadi oil.  Medicated decoctions for steam fomentation are usually prepared from medicines like Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata) and Dashmool (Ten herbal roots).

Depending upon the chronicity and severity of symptoms, treatment needs to be given for periods ranging from 12 to 24 months.  Long-term, high dose herbal treatment can stabilize symptoms, reduce disability, bring about a gradual remission of the disease, prevent further deterioration, improve quality of life, and significantly increase the overall life span of affected individuals.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the management and treatment of PLS.

The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com

Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL) -- Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Periventricular leukomalacia is a medical condition which affects unborn or newborn children.  Premature babies are most at risk from this condition, which results from a lack of oxygen or blood flow to the periventricular areas of the brain.  This causes a softening and death of the white matter of the brain, resulting in a disruption of nerve impulses from the brain to the body muscles.  PVL can cause symptoms such as motor disorders, delayed mental development, coordination problems, and impaired hearing. In addition, cerebral palsy may result due to bleeding in the brain.  An ultrasonography examination of the head is usually required to make the diagnosis of PVL.  There is no specific treatment for this condition in the modern system of medicine.  Treatment of symptoms is symptomatic and supportive, with periodical medical screening.  The overall outcome for this condition depends upon the severity of brain damage which can cause symptoms ranging from very mild symptoms to significant disability and early death.

Brain damage and death of brain cells in the first few months of life carries with it a serious morbidity and mortality, and puts a severe constraint on the available and possible treatments.  Ayurvedic treatment for PVL consists of the application of highly aggressive therapy for prolonged periods in order to bring about the maximum possible improvement.  Herbal medicines have some strong advantages in the medication possible for PVL, since these can be given in high doses and for prolonged periods even for very small children.  The mainstay of treatment is the use of herbs which have a specific action on the brain and the central nervous system.  These medicines help in strengthening brain cells, in reversing brain damage to the maximum extent possible and bringing about new interconnections between the brain cells so as to normalize the transmission of nerve impulses from the brain cells to the body muscles. 

Herbal medicines which have a specific action of normalizing metabolism of damaged cells are very useful in the management of this condition. These medicines are useful in reversing damage to the periventricular areas of the brain.  Improvement is slow to take place; however, regular treatment for periods ranging from one to two years can bring about noticeable improvement in affected children, along with a significant improvement in neuromuscular and sensory disability.

Complex herbo-mineral combinations of medicines are best avoided while treating children affected with PVL.  Herbal medicines, as mentioned earlier, are the safest for prolonged use.  Useful medications to strengthen the brain include Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Yashtimadhuk (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), and Shankapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis).  Herbal medicines which normalise metabolism and are useful in reversing brain damage include Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Pippali (Piper longum), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Kutaj (Holharrhina antidysentrica), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Patha (Cissampelos pariera), and Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus).

Localized treatment in the form of light, full body massage, using medicated oils, can also be used to supplement oral herbal therapy.  The aim of Ayurvedic herbal treatment is to minimize long-term damage, improve quality of life, reduce symptoms, improve neuromuscular coordination and sensory ability, and increase the overall life span of affected children.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a definite role to play in the management and treatment of Periventricular leukomalacia.

The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com

Leigh's Disease -- Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Leigh's disease is a rare neuro-metabolic disorder which affects the central nervous system.  It is also known as Sub-Acute Necrotizing Encephalomyelopathy (SNEM).  This inherited disorder is usually seen in infants between three months and two years of age, and rarely in teenagers and adults.  The brain stem and basal ganglia are damaged due to a dysfunction of the mitochondrial DNA of the brain cells, leading to a dysfunction of these parts, which in turn causes a severe degradation of motor skills.

Common symptoms include rigidity, tremor, tics, convulsions, poor sucking ability, loss of head control, loss of appetite, vomiting, irritability, and -- in the late stages -- lactic acidosis, leading to respiratory failure, kidney failure, and heart problems.  This medical condition eventually causes early death.  There is no treatment for this condition in the modern system of medicines.  Affected infants are usually observed at regular intervals and are advised a high fat and low carbohydrate diet.

The severity and seriousness of this medical condition calls for highly aggressive Ayurvedic treatment, which needs to be commenced at the earliest possible.  Herbal medicines can be safely given to infants in high doses, and for prolonged periods.  Herbal medicines which have a specific affinity for the brain and the central nervous system form the mainstay of treatment in the management of Leigh's disease.  In addition, medicines which influence metabolism and activity of brain cells are also highly useful in the management of this condition, since these regularize functioning of brain cells and stabilise the brain cell structure for prolonged periods. 

A combination of such herbal medicines eventually brings about gradual improvement in the functioning of damaged parts of the brain, leading to improvement in motor skills and reduction in the symptoms of this condition. Specific symptoms need to be treated separately, depending upon the presentation and severity. Full body massage with medicated oils can also be used to supplement oral treatment with herbal medicines. Special Panchkarma procedures such as Shiro-Dhara and Basti can be used as additional therapy, in order to help bring about a more concrete and early therapeutic response.

Herbal medicines which can normalize metabolism, structure and function of brain cells include Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), Marich (Piper nigrum), Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Kutaj (Holharrhina antidysentrica), and Patol (Tricosanthe dioica),.  Medicines which have a strengthening effect on the brain cells include Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Yashtimadhuk (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri).

Herbal medicines can be powdered and administered safely to infants, mixed with milk and honey.  Ayurvedic treatment needs to be given for periods ranging from one to two years in order to bring about the maximum possible improvement.  The main aim of Ayurvedic herbal treatment is to reduce damage to the brain, improve motor skills to the maximum extent possible, improve quality of life, and improve the life span of affected children.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant and positive role to play in the management and treatment of Leigh's disease.

The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com

Aspergillosis -- Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Aspergillosis is a disease caused by infection due to a variety of fungus known as Aspergillus fungi.  This condition is usually observed in individuals with a severely compromised immune system and is caused either due to long-standing disease or due to the chronic use of immunosuppressant drugs.  Aspergillosis can cause a variety of symptoms which can be mild or severe and vary according to the organ affected. 

Infection of the ear canal causes symptoms like itching, pain, and ear discharge.  Infected sinuses can cause symptoms like pain, congestion and discharge.  Common symptoms for infected lungs include cough, fever, breathlessness, and hemoptysis.  Severe and deep-seated infection can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, shock, bleeding, kidney failure, and liver failure.  In individuals with acute leukemia and hemato-poetic stem cell transplantation, aspergillosis is a leading cause of death.  Biopsy is usually diagnostic of this condition, in addition to other routine tests like blood tests, x-ray, and CT scan.  The management of aspergillosis in the modern system of medicine includes treatment with antifungal medicines and steroids, if necessary.

Patients having deep-seated and serious infection are best treated in well-equipped hospitals with intensive care facilities, in order to promptly treat the fungus infection as well as the associated complications, so as to prevent or reduce morbidity and mortality from the disease.  Mild to moderate infection due to aspergillosis can be treated independently with Ayurvedic herbal medicines. Different medicines can be given according to the presentation of symptoms and the different organs affected.  Additional treatment needs to be given for symptoms such as pain, inflammation, itching, discharge, cough and fever.  In addition to symptomatic treatment, Ayurvedic medicines which have a specific antifungal action can be given in high doses in order to bring about a prompt response.

In addition to patients having moderate or mild infection, even individuals having severe aspergillosis infection can be given supplementary Ayurvedic treatment in order to bring about a prompt response as well as reduce complications and increase the chances of survival.  This is usually achieved by using herbal medicines to significantly improve the immune status of affected individuals.

Herbal medicines which can be used to directly treat fungal infection include Sukshma Triphala, Gandhak Rasayan, Triphala Guggulu, Panch Tikta Ghrut Guggulu, Nimba Patoladi Guggulu, Ras Sindur, Malla Sindur, Sameerpannag Ras, Tribhuvan Kirti Ras, Sitopaladi, Panchamrut Parpati, Trivang Bhasma, Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Patol (Trichosanthe dioica), Triphala (Three Fruits), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Kutaj (Holharrhina antidysentrica), Pippali (Piper longum), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and Bhrungraj (Eclipta alba). Depending upon the location of the fungal infection, single drugs or combinations of these medicines need to be given in high doses for about 4-12 weeks in order to fully eradicate the infection.

Herbal medicines and herbo-mineral combinations which are used to improve immunity include Suvarna Malini Vasant, Madhu Malini Vasant, Laghu Malini Vasant, Suvarna Parpati, Vasant Kusumakar Ras, Makardhwaj Ras, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) and Marich (Piper nigrum).

Depending upon the severity of the infection and the immune status of affected individuals, Ayurvedic herbal treatment needs to be given for periods ranging from one to six months, in order to fully treat symptoms and prevent a recurrence. Ayurvedic treatment thus has a significant and positive role to play in the management and treatment of aspergillosis.

The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Peyronie's Disease

Peyronie's disease involves the formation of a hard lump called plaque within the muscular part of the penis, causing an abnormal curvature and pain during erection.  Usually, but not always, this condition is caused due to injury to the penis which causes fibrosis of certain parts of the penis.  This condition is not contagious, not transmittable, non-tumerous and is not a cancer.  However, effects of this disease can be devastating for a couple.  Treatment in the modern system of medicine for Peyronie's disease involves the use of oral medicines, infections, and surgery, which is usually performed after one year of diagnosis of the condition.  Rarely, this condition may correct or resolve spontaneously.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment for Peyronie's disease involves the use of specific herbs in high doses which can be used to reduce plaque formation within the penis.  These medicines, in combination with anti-inflammatory medicines, can be given in high doses and for prolonged periods in order to resolve the hard lump and remove the plaque from the penis to the maximum extent possible.  This usually causes resolution or softening of the lump and therefore helps in reducing the abnormal curvature which is seen during erection as well as the associated pain.

Oral treatment can be supplemented with local applications in the form of ointments and pastes using herbal medicines.  These can help to soften the plaque and reduce the duration of treatment.  Depending upon the severity of the condition, Ayurvedic herbal treatment for Peyronie's disease is required for periods ranging from three to six months.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus significantly reduce symptoms related to this condition.

The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration (PCD)

Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) is a rare condition occurring in one percent of cancer patients and is usually seen in middle-aged women.  An auto immune reaction causes symptoms associated with lung, ovarian, or breast cancer, and lymphomas.  This destroys part of the cerebellum and produces an antibody known as anti-YO.  Cerebellar atrophy causes a rapid progression of symptoms for about six months after which the progress of the symptoms slows down.  Symptoms usually include dysarthria, ataxia, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, diplopia and nystagmus.  The neurological symptoms usually precede the diagnosis of the underlying cancer.  Treatment of the underlying cancer usually does not affect the neurological symptoms.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment for PCD usually involves the use of high doses of herbal medicines which have a specific action on nerve cells, the nervous system, as well as the brain.  These medicines help in regeneration of the damaged cells as well as the inter-connections between brain cells.  A judicious combination of different herbal medicines can help prevent or reduce brain damage and atrophy.  Symptomatic treatment also needs to be given for different symptoms related to balance and coordination.

Herbal medicines are also required to provide immunomodulation for the affected individuals so as to directly or indirectly treat the causative cancer.  If possible, herbal medicines may also be given to directly treat the cancer, if specifically detected.  Immunomodulation can also prevent further damage to the brain and nervous system.

Depending upon the severity of the condition, Ayurvedic herbal treatment may be required for periods ranging from 6 to 12 months.  Though this condition is known to be rapidly progressive, aggressive Ayurvedic herbal treatment can definitely improve symptoms and significantly reduce morbidity and mortality.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the management and treatment of PCD.

The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a silent liver disease which resembles alcoholic liver disease.  This condition involves a fatty liver, inflammation, and damage to the liver cells which can in the long-term lead to permanent damage and cirrhosis.  Increased liver enzymes without any apparent cause for inflammation such as hepatitis are suggestive pointers to the diagnosis of NASH.  Liver biopsy is diagnostic of this condition.  This condition can be silent for years or decades.  In the later stage, symptoms become apparent and include fatigue, weight loss, and weakness as a result of cirrhosis of the liver.  Very rarely, a spontaneous reversal and resolution of the condition may be observed.  Inflammation and death of liver cells causes scarring and cirrhosis which causes fluid retention, muscle wasting, bleeding from intestines, and liver failure. In this situation, liver transplantation is the only possible measure which can completely cure the disease.  In early stages, measures like weight loss, adopting a healthy and balanced diet, light exercises, and abstaining from alcohol as well as hepato- toxic medicines can help reduce damage and improve symptoms.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment for NASH involves the use of herbal medicines which have a specific corrective action on the hepato-cellular structure.  These herbs reduce inflammation and damage to the liver and improve its functioning.  Specific herbs can also be used to reverse or minimise permanent damage to the liver and bring about resolution of inflammation to the maximum extent possible.  Treatment can also be given to prevent or reduce all the symptoms related to cirrhosis, such as accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity and bleeding from the intestines.  Additional aggressive herbal treatment can also help to reduce the chances of malignancy of the damaged liver.

In order to obtain the maximum possible benefit from Ayurvedic herbal treatment, it is important to commence treatment as early as possible, once the diagnosis of NASH has been made.  Treatment needs to be given for periods ranging from 6-9 months, in order to achieve significant improvement in the condition.  Ayurvedic herbal medicines can help reduce morbidity and mortality.  Ayurvedic treatment thus has a significant role to play in the management and treatment of NASH

The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com